Division Street School Museum

As my 100th YouTube video, I wanted to present something extraordinary! The 1885 Division Street School and its curator, Oneita Phillips, are certainly that. As one of the first African American elementary schools in Indiana, it taught young people how to learn and achieve something bigger than themselves. Perfectly restored, the school provides a unique glimpse into the past and a learning opportunity for grade school kids and anyone stoppingby on a Saturday.

Oneita Phillips, who serves as the Division Street School curator, was once a student and provided an unparalleled insight into what school was like. Oneita shared a wealth of information, and it was an absolute pleasure to hear her speak about days gone by and her road to becoming a teacher. It was one of my favorite visits of early 2020, and I’m sure you’ll also enjoy a visit!

SONG: “Before I Go,” courtesy of RKVC

In my travels, I’ve seen many exciting places and met wonderful people—people willing to tell a story and share a part of their life with me. That makes all the miles and hours of editing genuinely worth it.

For my 100th YouTube video, I wanted to share a particular place and person. I found both with New Albany’s Division Street School and Onita Phillips. Miss Phillips not only attended this historic school but built upon her humble beginnings; she went to college and became a teacher. She also donates her time to telling the stories of how the 1885 Division Street School impacted so many African-American children, including herself.

This was a school for black children from 1885 to 1946. The teacher had to ring the bell because, in that way, they knew it was time to come to school. In 1885, it was one of the first elementary schools for African-American children and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Located at 1803 Conservative Street, it’s completely restored, as if children will be rushing through the doors at any moment.

Baseball gloves line the hall, ready for a game in the schoolyard. A large coal-burning stove sits ready to keep students warm during cold Indiana winters.

The classroom perfectly recreates how it would have looked in days gone by. Kids were taught to read and write in cursive, arithmetic, geography, etc. But more importantly, they were given inspiration. Back in 1885, owning books was a luxury that most kids couldn’t afford, but the school gave them the tools they needed to learn. The original wood floors echo the footsteps of past students, a stepping stone to their future.

The other side of the school has many exhibits—they tell the stories of how this place changed lives.

The basement is surprisingly large; there’s a place for lunches and learning games when New Albany-Floyd County children visit each year.

Onita Phillips tells them what it was like when she was a little girl and sat in the same classroom. The school is a monument to the students and teachers from 1885 to 1946.

And Onita Phillips serves as a reminder that anything is possible if you believe in yourself, give your best, and love others.